And he claims his new £35m Liverpool team-mate is already a better player at 22 than Drogba was at the same age.[>

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Cole said: “He’s very much like Didier. We all know what a cracking player Didier is, but he wasn’t playing at this level at that age. There’s still a lot of developing for Andy to do so he can get better and better.”[>

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Carroll is yet to score for the Merseysiders following his British record transfer from Newcastle in January, after a spell in the treatment room.[>

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And he was also warned this week about his drinking habits by England boss Fabio Capello.[>

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But Cole claims Carroll could go on to form a lethal strike partnership for the Reds with fellow new signing Luis Suarez next season.[>

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Cole said: “I think you’d have been hard pressed to have found two better signings in January than Andy and Luis Suarez.”[>

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It has been a frustrating season for Cole, who has failed to make an impact an Anfield following his free transfer switch from Chelsea and has dropped off the international scene.[>

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The 29-year-old has managed just one goal in 14 Premier League appearances and has started on the bench for the last three.[>

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But Cole said: “I’m privileged to play for Liverpool Football Club and privileged to be a professional footballer.[>

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“The best thing you can do as a player is make sure that you don’t take that for granted every day because it’s a great lifestyle. [>

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“There is nothing you would want to change. It’s been a bit stop-start for me this season.[>

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“But football’s all about ups and downs and sometimes you just have to ride the roller-coaster. [>

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“I just try to have a positive outlook and keep going. I’m enjoying my football at the moment and taking every day as it comes. “I’m making sure I work hard every day from the moment I come in to the moment I leave.”[>

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Liverpool midfielder Lucas yesterday signed a new long-term contract with the club.[>